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SB 6237

Ensuring connectivity for Washington wildlife through safe passages.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Hasegawa and 7 co-sponsors

SB 6237 requires Washington to design and fund wildlife passage infrastructure on highways and roads to reduce animal-vehicle collisions and habitat fragmentation.

Referred to Ways & Means.
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Bill Summary · SB 6237

Legislative bill overview

SB 6237 establishes requirements for safe wildlife passage infrastructure on Washington roads and highways, likely including wildlife crossings, underpasses, and overpasses to reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions and habitat fragmentation. The bill has advanced through the Senate Transportation Committee with amendments and is now under fiscal review in the Ways & Means Committee.

Why is this important

Wildlife-vehicle collisions cause thousands of animal deaths annually, damage property, and endanger human drivers. Fragmented habitats from road barriers threaten species survival and biodiversity, particularly for large mammals that need expansive ranges. Infrastructure investments in wildlife passages can reduce these collisions while supporting ecosystem health.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Disputes over whether funding comes from transportation budgets, environmental funds, or new revenue sources, and which agencies bear responsibility
  • Geographic priorities: Disagreement about which roads and regions receive passage infrastructure first, balancing urban, rural, and environmentally sensitive areas
  • Implementation standards: Questions about design specifications, maintenance obligations, and measuring effectiveness of wildlife passage infrastructure across different terrain types

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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